NMVFO plans 20+ volunteer work projects each year. Click here for a printable overview of the 2024 project season, and check back often for additional information posted as it becomes available. To receive updates and detailed information about upcoming projects and events, be sure to sign up for the NMVFO newsletter on the Home page. Public land agencies that are interested in proposing a project should contact our Projects Team (projects@nmvfo.org) for more information and our easy-to-complete project proposal form.
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North Field Loop Trail (Valle de Oro NWR)
February 26, 2022 @ 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Contact Leader(s): Ed DiBello, 505-705-2584, e.dibello@nmvfo.org; Jim (Sagebrush) Sells, 505-898-6345, j.sells@nmvfo.org with any questions.
RESULTS: For the first project of NMVFO’s 40th Anniversary Year, we improved the North Field Loop Trail at the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge, the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge. A team of 17 NMVFO Volunteers, including 14 current and former Board members, and Valle de Oro staff cleared over 2000 feet of trail by leveling and defining tread, clearing debris and invasive vegetation. We also cleared an adjoining acequia of debris and vegetation. A great crew with McClouds and rakes made for a great start to the 2022 project season.
Description: The Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is the Southwest’s first urban wildlife refuge. It serves as an oasis for both wildlife and people. Established in 2012, the refuge is beginning to transition from agriculture fields to a diversity of native habitats and visitor amenities. We will improve the North Field Loop Trail by leveling and defining tread, clearing debris and invasive vegetation. We will also clear an adjoining acequia and install signs as time permits. We will meet in the Valle de Oro Visitor Center parking lot at 8:00 AM to sign in. Dakota Dominguez, Valle de Oro Park Ranger, will present a short talk on the refuge. We will then proceed by car caravan to the work site to review the planned work and conduct a safety briefing.
Volunteers must wear sturdy boots (preferred) or shoes (no sandals), long pants, eye protection and work gloves. Long sleeve shirts are recommended. Bring a hat, sun protection, and other apparel appropriate for the predicted weather. Also bring a day pack with water, snacks, lunch, and other necessities. We plan to finish work by 4:00 PM.
Pandemic protocols: Covid-safe practices will apply. All participants will be required to wear masks when working in close proximity to others. The volunteer group will not exceed 20 participants. The Visitors’ Center restroom facilities will be open; masks will be required to enter. Registrants will be updated by email in the week(s) before the project with the latest information. If you are not feeling well on the day of the project, please text the Project Leader at 505-314-3374.
Directions: Valle de Oro is located approximately 10 miles south of Albuquerque’s Big I. Coming from the North, take Interstate 25 South to Rio Bravo (Exit 220). Go West on Rio Bravo, then South on Broadway for approximately 2.25 miles. Turn West on Desert, cross the Railrunner Tracks, then turn South on 2nd Street. The entrance to Valle de Oro will be on your right in about 0.75 miles. At the entrance, proceed to Visitor Center parking. Please plan to be there a little before 8:00 AM.
To sign up: Click on the button below and fill out the contact information. A waitlist will become available once the project is full.
Difficulty: 
Group Size: 20
For more information: If this is your first NMVFO project, you can find more information about difficulty ratings and what to expect at Volunteer FAQ, or email the project leader.
Please read our Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for this project.